A SCHEME to promote sustainable development among businesses in North Wales is being marketed.

Synnwyr Busnes – Business Sense – run by the University of Wales Bangor, wants Welsh SMEs to capitalise on the growing consumer demand for products and services to be produced in a sustainable way.

It aims to get its message across at seminars which will highlight how businesses can improve their bottom-line at little or no additional cost simply by demonstrating their efforts to be more socially and environmentally responsible. The seminars aim to equip SMEs with low-cost and no-cost ways to benefit.

Dr Einir Young, Business Sense director, said: “Sustainability is not just about being ‘green’- it’s about getting involved in local community activities, looking after staff, suppliers and customers, promoting language and culture, as well as safeguarding the environment. Crucially for businesses, it’s about enhancing brand values and giving businesses that competitive edge.

“Large multinational companies have already realised that sustainable development makes good business sense, but smaller businesses across all sectors can also benefit from this growing trend.”

Seminar venues and dates in North Wales are Conwy Business Centre on Monday, Electric Mountain, Llanberis, on May 21, Anglesey Business Centre, Llangefni, on May 23 and Ruthin Castle on June 5. Ring 01248 382605 or e-mail post@synnwyr-busnes.org for more details.